Description

This webinar will cover two basic aspects of California public integrity laws that most often impact businesses that deal with government entities: Government Code §1090 and California’s Political Reform Act.

Government Code §1090 is California’s powerful and far reaching anti-conflict of interest statute which voids and makes criminal creating a contract in which a government officer or employee has a financial interest.

Meals, entertainment and other gifts often promote good will and networking opportunities in the private sector, but can be a violation of California’s Political Reform Act in the public sector. While lawful under many circumstances, there are gift limits, gift reporting requirements and conditions under which receiving a gift will give rise to a conflict of interest for a government official. Businesses need to know and be sensitive to these requirements and limitations.

Panelists will discuss:

Government Code §1090: When Government Officials Have a Conflict of Interest in Making a Contract, Business Pays the Price

• What is §1090?
• What is a “conflict” under the law?
• How do businesses create “conflicts?”
• What are the potential consequences of a §1090 violation on a business?

Political Reform Act — Gifts: Limitations, Restrictions and Other No-Nos

• Disclosure, Disqualification and Limitation.
• Who is affected by gift laws?
• When are gifts received and how are gifts valued?
• Exceptions: New rules for:
  • Business and personal relationships;
  • Payments made for conducting agency business;
  • Travel payments.
• Use of agency reporting rules – best practices.

Panelists

• Gary Schons, Of Counsel, Best Best & Krieger’s Public Policy & Ethics Group
• Dianna Valdez, Paralegal, Best Best & Krieger’s Public Policy & Ethics Group

Presentation and Recording

The powerpoint presentation is available to download at right and video recording is below.